The Chickasaw Nation signed an agreement with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to assume operations and management of the park located in Atoka, Okla. beginning Aug. 16.

Boggy Depot was one of seven Oklahoma state parks slated to close Aug. 15 due to budget cuts at the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to operate Boggy Depot State Park because of its historical importance to Chickasaws, Choctaws and all Oklahomans.” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “This agreement is a way to help visitors continue to discover the beauty, history and hospitality of our state.”

Boggy Depot was one of the first places Chickasaws settled after being relocated to Indian Territory from their homelands in Mississippi and Alabama in 1830s.

The town received its name from Clear Boggy Creek and from its use as a Confederate commissary depot during the Civil War.

Boggy Depot was home to many notable individuals in Chickasaw, Choctaw and Oklahoma history, including Chickasaw Charles David Carter and Choctaw Chief Allen Wright.

Carter was one of the first elected to represent Oklahoma in the U.S. Congress. He represented southern Oklahoma from 1906 to 1927.

Chief Wright coined the word ‘Oklahoma’ in 1866 to describe the Indian Territory. The name was officially used for the state in 1907. Chief Wright and several of his family members are buried in a cemetery located in the park.

The park is free to visit. Features include a fishing lake, nature trail, baseball diamond, playground, picnic tables, group picnic shelters, charcoal grills and comfort stations with showers.

More than 30 acres of campgrounds, including RV and tent camping, are also available for a nominal fee. The Chickasaw Nation will maintain the same fee structure for camping established by the State of Oklahoma.